A Simple Synthetic Route to MoS2 and WS2 Nanoparticles and Thin Films

Abstract

We produced both MoS2 and WS2 nanoparticles by thermally decomposing M(CO)6 (M = Mo, W) in excess of H2S by using a hot filament. Both highly pure crystalline MoS2 and WS2 nanoparticles were efficiently produced over the filament temperature range from 300 to 800 °C. Particle diameter ranged from 2.0 to 5.0 nm and from 3.0 to 6.0 nm for MoS2 and WS2 nanoparticles, respectively. Fullerene-like particles such as nanotubes, onions, and empty and nested hollows were not produced. Both MoS2 and WS2 nanoparticles have a hexagonal close packed structure. Cell constants are determined to be a = 3.09 and c = 12.61 Å and a = 3.09 and c = 12.47 Å for MoS2 and WS2 nanoparticles, respectively, which are all consistent with the corresponding bulk values. Thin films of MoS2 and WS2 were also prepared by chemical vapor deposition of MoS2 and WS2 on stainless steel disks at 600-650 °C and low friction coefficients were obtained at an ambient atmosphere for both MoS2 and WS2 thin films, implying that they can serve as good solid lubricants.